The other son was sitting by the table reading a book.

The room presented a pleasant appearance, everything being in order and the inmates apparently gay and happy--the only dark shadow being that cast over the household by Ivan's trouble with his neighbor.
Ivan came in very cross, and, angrily throwing aside a cat which lay sleeping on the bench, cursed the women for having misplaced a pail.
He looked very sad and serious, and, seating himself in a corner of the room, proceeded to repair the horse-collar.

He could not forget Gavryl, however--the threatening words he had used in the court-room and those which Ivan had just heard.
Presently Taraska came in, and after having his supper, put on his sheepskin coat, and, taking some bread with him, returned to watch over his horses for the night.

His eldest brother wished to accompany him, but Ivan himself arose and went with him as far as the porch.

The night was dark and cloudy and a strong wind was blowing, which produced a peculiar whistling sound that was most unpleasant to the ear.